There s never been a better time to explore one of the world s greatest touring destinations an island of breath taking diversity that often catches

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Gertrude Burns
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1 There s never been a better time to explore one of the world s greatest touring destinations an island of breath taking diversity that often catches people by surprise. From luxury wilderness lodges to harvest markets, outrageous art to moments of pristine solitude - whatever you treasure most in a holiday, you ll find it in Tasmania. Use sections of this itinerary for a short break, or do the whole thing with your own special additions to Go Behind the Scenery with Virgin Australia.

Kings Bridge, Cataract Gorge QVMAG at Inveresk Launceston Quadrant Mall DAY ONE Monkeying around in Launceston There is a surprise in store when you stay overnight in Launceston.

Take the City Park with its play pen of monkeys that are the real deal with free viewing for the public. This sight, more akin to a jungle than Tasmania is sure to raise your cheeks for a smile.

There is a chairlift for brave legs to dangle from, as you trundle high over the natural waterway.

2 Kings Bridge, Cataract Gorge QVMAG at Inveresk Launceston Quadrant Mall DAY ONE Monkeying around in Launceston There is a surprise in store when you stay overnight in Launceston. Don t be fooled by the refined style of heritage buildings or the heightened country town hustle of the main centre, this city has a few things that will take you aback. Take the City Park with its play pen of monkeys that are the real deal with free viewing for the public. This sight, more akin to a jungle than Tasmania is sure to raise your cheeks for a smile. Cataract Gorge is another wonder. The stunning natural formation is carved off the back of the city streetscape with walking trails through gorgeous scenery, including across a suspension bridge. There is a chairlift for brave legs to dangle from, as you trundle high over the natural waterway. Find a pool for summer fun, maybe see a rock climber in action while you picnic from the lawn, or decide on one of two choices for gorge- side dining. Queen Victoria Museum will engage the minds of Launceston visitors. Make sure you take the time to interact and get lost in an artist s view. The arts scene in Launceston is upbeat and entertainment can easily be found at one of many venues. Fine dining and café culture is alive and the produce from the rural surrounds is some of the island s best.

Evandale Woolmers Estate Longford Brickendon Estate Bike Riding, Longford DAY TWO Time stands still Just 18 kilometres south of Launceston is Evandale, home of the

There is the Evandale Bakery with a swagman s lunch or other belt- loosening treats.

If you get to town on a Sunday, you ll be there with the masses for the ever popular Evandale Market which runs on rest day like clockwork.

Time is irrelevant with this foray out into the rural farmlands known locally as the Midlands.

The home and garden of the original owners has been restored with out-houses comfortably accommodating groups or couples and an on site café the servant s kitchen.

3 Evandale Woolmers Estate Longford Brickendon Estate Bike Riding, Longford DAY TWO Time stands still Just 18 kilometres south of Launceston is Evandale, home of the legendary National Penny Farthing Championships, a village delight of which there are many. There is the Evandale Bakery with a swagman s lunch or other belt- loosening treats. Evandale hails back to days of Tasmania s colonial roots with a modern sophistication that will please the ages. If you get to town on a Sunday, you ll be there with the masses for the ever popular Evandale Market which runs on rest day like clockwork. There are many stalls to fossick for that piece of Tasmanian fortune, food, crafts and boot loads of other people s junk (your treasure). Time is irrelevant with this foray out into the rural farmlands known locally as the Midlands. A stop over to World Heritage listed Woolmer s Estate will take you back hundreds of years. The home and garden of the original owners has been restored with out-houses comfortably accommodating groups or couples and an on site café the servant s kitchen. The National Rose Garden is particularly noteworthy, in full bloom and at its aromatic best in summer. Brickendon, is another convict site on the World Heritage list with a rustic farm village from a bygone era, self- contained farm accommodation and a chapel popular for weddings. See the farm in operation still, albeit without the convict labour and try your hand at trout fishing along the properties river frontage when in season. Overnight in Longford might see you dining at the Rivers Edge Café and marvelling at the modern workings of a town with a style that is more in keeping with a Georgian period.

Pipers Brook Vineyard George Town beach front George Town Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum DAY THREE A tipple of Tasmania Take the Tamar Valley Wine Route out towards the sea which has

First you will come across the Hillwood Strawberry Farm where a huge array of berries are grown for not only their perfect untouched berry state, but for liqueurs, jams and even body

Pets are even welcome and the owners encourage visitors to get to know the farm animals they have on site too. There are woolly pals Lamby and Rambo who are popular with the berry crowd.

As Jansz Tasmania professes, the environment and the winemakers work very closely together in Methode Tasmanoise.

4 Pipers Brook Vineyard George Town beach front George Town Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum DAY THREE A tipple of Tasmania Take the Tamar Valley Wine Route out towards the sea which has some superb Tasmania produce for tasting. First you will come across the Hillwood Strawberry Farm where a huge array of berries are grown for not only their perfect untouched berry state, but for liqueurs, jams and even body products. You can pick, taste, try and buy at the farm gate. There s a café and acres you re invited to run around in. Pets are even welcome and the owners encourage visitors to get to know the farm animals they have on site too. There are woolly pals Lamby and Rambo who are popular with the berry crowd. Now with sights set on Pipers Brook, get excited to try out some of Tasmania s award winning wines. As Jansz Tasmania professes, the environment and the winemakers work very closely together in Methode Tasmanoise. At the wine room and interpretative centre, a whole new sparkling experience awaits and it is a real privilege to try a product at the site of its beginnings. There is more to taste at Pipers Brook Vineyard, the architecturally pleasing building, dining area and gift shop makes for an unforgettable experience. An overnight stay in nearby George Town might have you staying in luxury, by the lighthouse or the beach. Nearby Low Head is a popular local holiday destination and has a lighthouse and Pilot Station heritage precinct. There is also a Penguin Tour for a quiet after dark pursuit.

Hillwood Strawberry Farm Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre Seahorse World DAY FOUR It s a Gold Mine in these parts Beauty Point has a Seahorse World that is a one of a kind aquamarine experience.

Learn about the quirky characteristics of one of the oceans cutest critters and some of the seahorse s ocean dwelling friends.

Platypus House is another surprising animal experience near Beauty Point with Tasmanian natives on the radar. Something that is bound to get you excited is the possibility of meeting a newborn puggle.

5 Hillwood Strawberry Farm Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre Seahorse World DAY FOUR It s a Gold Mine in these parts Beauty Point has a Seahorse World that is a one of a kind aquamarine experience. If you re not so keen on donning dive tanks then this is the place for you. Seahorses above sea level! Learn about the quirky characteristics of one of the oceans cutest critters and some of the seahorse s ocean dwelling friends. There is a three in one deal for this attraction, The Platypus House and the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre - all worthy of a stopover leaving town. Platypus House is another surprising animal experience near Beauty Point with Tasmanian natives on the radar. Something that is bound to get you excited is the possibility of meeting a newborn puggle. The name of a baby platypus is endearing in itself, how about checking out the real thing. Echidnas are also on site at the Platypus House. The spiky little fellas never cease to charm despite their awkward body language. Then there is the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, quite different to the other three. News channels went berserk all over Australia when two local blokes were devastatingly stuck underground in Tasmania s Beaconsfield Gold Mine, and one of their mate s lost his life. Since then the mine has seen an above ground growth of tourism and the Mine and Heritage Centre has given the town that experienced both tragedy and strength, a place to remember their mining stories. Fly out of Launceston with a rich collection of Tasmanian stories, some top class produce and memories to have a chuckle at.

Includes: Spring Grand Tour 12 nights Innkeepers Hotels and Apartments. from $1449 per person twin share

Includes: Spring Grand Tour 12 nights Innkeepers Hotels and Apartments. from $1449 per person twin share Spring Grand Tour 12 nights Innkeepers Hotels and Apartments from $1449 per person twin share Tasmania is a sensory delight crisp spring mornings give way to mild days, longer sunsets and you ll not miss